Hull City head coach Nigel Adkins insists he will not be motivated by the chance to derail Sheffield United’s automatic promotion bid when he welcomes his former club to the KCOM Stadium.

The Tigers’ hopes of returning to the Premier League have finally been extinguished by back-to-back defeats at Middlesbrough and West Brom but this afternoon they could have a huge say on who finishes in the top two.

Sheffield United are in pole position to join Norwich City on the direct path back to the top-flight but any slip-ups at the KCOM Stadium would offer Leeds United the chance to steal a march with the finishing line in sight.

Adkins was denied the chance to bring the good times back to Bramall Lane when sacked as manager three years ago, a move that subsequently paved the way for him to become City boss, but he says his only focus will be extending the Tigers’ 12-game unbeaten home record.

Hull City head coach Nigel Adkins consoles Dan Batty after the 3-2 loss at West Brom

Asked if another reunion with the Blades had any personal significance, Adkins said: “None whatsoever, it’s just the next game of football that we’ve got to go and win.”

“Chris Wilder’s done a phenomenal job there and they are now in second position so it’s going to be a cracking game.

“They’ve got every chance of going up in the top two, there’ll still be twists and turns but all my focus is on trying to do right by Hull City.

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“Obviously Sheffield United will be buoyed by going second and we’ll maybe be a little bit deflated by not getting the result we wanted (at West Brom) but we’ll turn that around and get ourselves ready.”

City have little more than pride at stake after falling seven points adrift of the top six with just three games to play.

The deficit could officially become insurmountable even if the Tigers were to return to winning ways when hosting Chris Wilder’s side but Adkins remains eager to see his side end a resurgent campaign on a high.

Hull City manager Nigel Adkins smiles for a selfie upon his arrival at the KCOM Stadium (Image: Focus)

“We’ll keep going, everyone’s got a responsibility and everyone will keep working hard,” said Adkins. “We’ve got a great group of lads who everyday come in and work hard. We’ve been on a great run of form at home, it’s 12 undefeated now.

“We’ve got another game to look forward at the KCOM and we’ve got to get ready for that.

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“I’ve been in a sombre mood which is uncharacteristic but the players and the staff have put a lot of effort in this year and effectively, although it’s not mathematically over, it’s an uphill task to get into that play-off position.

“But we’ve still got three games to go and we’re going to do everything we can to do right by everybody. It’ll be a cracking game. It means a lot.”